Formulating Retinal with Irritation Reducers and Stability Concerns

Question

Regarding Vitamin A in the form of Retinal (also called Retinaldehyde), I understand it may cause some irritation. Can I add other irritation-reducing ingredients to the same formula with Vitamin A, such as: beta glucan Pro-Niacin™ Ceramide Complex (CeraTouch™) Also, can Vitamin A be mixed with all ingredients sold by MySkin Recipes? Are there any ingredients that should not be mixed with Vitamin A cream formulations?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Subject: Vitamin A + Irritation Reducers

Hello,

Regarding your question about combining Retinal (Retinaldehyde) with irritation-reducing ingredients:

It is true that Retinal can potentially cause irritation, although using it at the manufacturer's recommended level (not exceeding 0.1%) is expected to cause very low irritation. We recommend testing it first. If irritation occurs, you can add irritation-reducing ingredients.

Regarding the specific ingredients you mentioned:

Beta Glucan and Ceramide Complex (CeraTouch™) are suitable to add to your formula with Retinal to help reduce irritation.
Pro-Niacin™ (Myristyl Nicotinate) is not typically used for irritation reduction; it is more suitable as an anti-aging ingredient.

In general, Retinal can be mixed with most ingredients sold by MySkin Recipes. However, there are some important considerations for formulating with Retinal:

Avoid high heat and high/low pH levels.
When mixing, if heat is needed for dissolving (e.g., in the oil phase), do not exceed 60°C and do not heat for more than 60 minutes.
It is recommended to include Vitamin E Acetate at 0.1% in the formula to enhance the stability and shelf life of Vitamin A.
The final formula should have a pH in the range of 3.5-6.5.

We hope this information is helpful.

Thank you,
MySkinRecipes Staff